What are the ways in which we bring that meaning into our own creative, educational, and/or professional areas?

I'm an academic adviser, an artist, and a student of art history. I have been working with undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design for over 18 years. I grew up in British Columbia, and I live in North Seattle with my husband and two daughters. My studio art practice is on hiatus while I finish my graduate program, but I still try to draw every day.

My graduate practicum project Synthesizing Practices examines how students and alumni use art history beyond the classroom. Through a series of video interviews, the project investigates how students who participate in art history classes learn to prioritize visual observations; critically analyze issues; research, write, and present ideas; and contextualize information within a historical framework. Synthesizing Practices documents student experience but also – through the subjective process of video editing - builds narratives around the role that art history plays in our educational, professional, and creative lives.

Synthesizing Practices fulfills partial requirements for my masters practicum in art history, but it also realizes my interest in creative documentary. As someone who makes art, studies art history, and works with students, I believe it’s important to showcase how we make meaning from studying images and objects. I am interested in documenting how relevant art history can be, especially for students who are not necessarily pursuing advanced degrees with the goal of postdoctoral research.

Whether you are developing an emerging studio practice, or working in the public or private sector, I want to hear how art history has impacted your life.

Please consider collaborating with me in Synthesizing Practices. Your story is important. To get involved, check out how you can participate.